A word on fiscal responsibility

In regard to Personal Finance (“Take an interest in the fine print”) and Money Makeover (“Trying to survive a sub-prime squeeze”) on May 11:

In the first, a gentleman whines about not fully understanding his “zero interest” purchase. Does he believe all businesses will offer anyone 12 months of free money? Was he not curious enough to ask or take the time to look at the fine print? Sorry, no pity here.

The second is one I have empathy for: a single mother struggling with a refi. However, it is diminished by her fiscal irresponsibility, despite earning a solid middle-class income.

A divorce is painful, but with her lack of spending constraint coupled with a declining market, perhaps she should not be an owner now.

Russell Eagan

Valencia